Man and Icelandic horse on black beach in south Iceland

Wild Horses in Iceland, Icelandic horses are truly the original of the Viking horse breeds

It’s no surprise to anyone to see an article about Icelandic sheep. Bred in isolation for a millennium, they’ve developed a unique wool that’s recognized worldwide for its characteristic qualities.

But how about the Icelandic horse? Have you ever read about what Icelandic horses are used for? What other Icelandic horse facts are worth knowing?

The Icelandic horse has earned its respect and love throughout the world as a gentle horse with a wonderful personality. The adorable and friendly face is hard to resist, and the comfortable ride is like no other, thanks in part to the low average Icelandic horse height. Icelandic horses are typically between 13 and 14 hands high, which adds to their sturdy build and ease of riding.

The Origin Icelandic Horses: Another Story of Isolation

Icelandic horses are the original Viking horse breeds. They were brought to Iceland by the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries, during the era of the most expansive Viking exploration and conquest.

Since then, Icelandic horses have been the only breed of horses in Iceland for over 1,100 years. Just like Icelandic sheep, Icelandic horses have been bred in isolation, rendering them genetically unique.

Today, the import of any other horses (or other livestock) to Iceland is forbidden due to the risk of introducing new disease to the animals there. That also means that, once an Icelandic horse leaves Iceland, it can’t come back. For anyone traveling to Iceland, all horse riding gear like riding boots and helmets need to be disinfected as well.

Wild Icelandic Horses

In the summertime, thousands of Icelandic horses roam free in the mountains from the farms scattered across the country. The horses are then brought down to the lowlands in the autumn during the famous horse round-ups, similar to the annual Réttir for sheep.

So, what are Icelandic horses used for? The versatile breed is used for an array of activities, including: leisure riding, competitive sports, and traditional sheep herding. Their strong and sure-footed nature makes them ideal for traversing Iceland's rugged terrain, from volcanoes to glaciers. After all, they’ve had over a millennia to adapt to that specific environment.

Icelandic horses have a long lifespan, too, and it’s common to continue riding them long into their twenties. One Icelandic mare that lived in Denmark is known to have lived to the age of 57. Their longevity, along with their robust health and gentle temperament, makes them beloved companions.

The Icelandic Horse Tölt

The Icelandic horse is also a gaited breed, which means that in addition to the typical gaits that horses have (walk, trot, and canter), the most notable trait of the Icelandic horse is its “tölt.” The tölt is a unique and smooth four-beat gait where the horse always has one foot on the ground. Riders describe it as gliding effortlessly, almost like floating, which is why it's such a desirable trait.

Icelandic Horses for Sale

The Icelandic horse is especially popular in Western Europe, Scandinavia, and North America. There are around 60,000 Icelandic horses in Iceland of the 180,000 Icelandic horses currently registered around the world. With one-third of the Icelandic horse population still in Iceland, that means there’s roughly one horse for every four Icelanders on the island nation.

Many enthusiasts from around the world seek Icelandic horses for their gentle nature and unique genetic qualities. Those interested in buying Icelandic horses usually include riding schools, private owners, and competitive riders. Purchasing an Icelandic horse involves contacting breeders or sellers directly, often through specialized websites or associations dedicated to the breed.

woman wearing Icelandic wool sweater with horse pattern in a rocky nature

Stunning Colors and Breeds

There is a stunning variety of colors in the Icelandic horse breed. Over 100 different colors and patterns have been recognized. These include names as eye-catching as their colors, like:

Blue dun (a sort of glaucous gray)
Silver dapple (a shimmery brown)
Buckskin (a warm, light brown)
Palomino (a saturated blond)
Red dun (a sort of strawberry blonde)
And many more

With dozens of specific colors and splashy color combinations among Icelandic horses, each one looks distinct and beautiful. This diversity adds to the appeal of Icelandic horses, too, both for breeders and enthusiasts.

Icewear Wool products with Horse Designs

For those who appreciate the unique qualities of Icelandic horses, Icewear offers a range of wool blankets, sweaters and accessories featuring horse designs based on Icelandic horses. The blankets, made from the same high-quality wool as the company’s Icelandic sweaters, showcase beautiful depictions of Icelandic horses and other animals, making them a perfect keepsake or gift for enthusiasts.

If you haven’t fallen in love yet, just keep looking at pictures. The Icelandic horse is as charming as it is unique.

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